Nominations sought for advisory council

Albuquerque, NM – Nominations for individuals to serve on the Arizona National Scenic Trail Advisory Council are being accepted by the U.S. Forest Service. This is a Federal Advisory Committee that will provide recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, about matters relating to the administration and management of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (Arizona Trail).

The Arizona Trail is the only designated national scenic trail in the state. It is a primitive, long-distance route stretching over 800 miles from Mexico to Utah and connecting deserts, mountains, forests, wilderness, canyons, historic sites and communities. The Trail showcases the state’s diverse vegetation, wildlife and scenery, and offers hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers an unparalleled Arizona experience.

The Council will consist of not more than 13 members as described in the Council Charter. Members will be appointed as follows:

• The Regional Forester of the Southwestern Region, Forest Service, or a designee

• The State Director of the Arizona State Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or designee

• The Regional Director of the Intermountain Region, National Park Service (NPS), or designee

• One representative of the State of Arizona, selected from recommendations

• Arizona State Parks

• County or Municipal Parks & Recreation Departments

• American Indian tribal interests

• National Scenic Trail and non-motorized trail user organizations

• Ranching industry

• Conservation organizations

• Gateway Communities

• Private landholders

A notice of the Secretary of Agriculture’s intent to establish this council was published in the Federal Register on February 24, 2014. Once the Arizona National Scenic Trail Advisory Council is appointed, council members should commit to serving a full term of two years.

Interested candidates should have a desire to perpetuate and protect the nature and purposes of the Arizona Trail while taking into consideration other public interests along the trail corridor.

Written nominations must be received by April 25, 2014. Nominations must contain a completed application packet that includes the nominee’s name, resume, and completed form AD-755 (Advisory Committee Membership Background Information). The form AD-755 may be obtained from the Forest Service contact person or from the following website: http://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/AD-755_Master_2012_508%20Ver.pdf

If the nominee is representing an organization, please indicate the organization and the interest category you would like to represent. Please send the package to Laura White, U. S. Forest Service, 300 W. Congress, Tucson, AZ 85701.

Committee members do not receive pay, but they can be reimbursed for travel expenses related to attending meetings.

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